Essay about Cloning - The Great Human Embryo Clone Hype

The Great Human Embryo Clone Hype Abstract: The cloning of human embryos has sparked a major debate worldwide. New cloning methods have surpassed the technology that could only duplicate specified genes or produce offspring from frozen mice and human embryos. Cloning has been used to free would-be sufferers from a particular disease carrying gene. Likewise, out of desire to assist infertile couples and overcome the drawbacks of using in-vitro fertilization, came the newest method of cloning. Although skepticism exists because of the lack of regulation and the extreme possibilities considered such as cloning for hair and eye color or for a particular gender, with proper regulation, researchers and doctors intend to embrace this†¦show more content†¦Why stop now? Although there have been various arguments proposed against the use of any cloning techniques, there are healthcare issues that validate the use of cloning procedures. Controversy has developed from the fear of how cloning will be used. Since the late 1980s cloning techniques have been used to identify certain genes that cause disease. The primary work of the Human Genome Project was to develop three research tools that will allow scientists to identify genes involved in both rare and common disease (Collins, 1995). These gene identification tools are what researchers call positional cloning. Positional cloning techniques are used to identify genes based solely on their location within the subjects total genetic material or genome. There is no prior knowledge of the genes function within the region of which the gene is identified. Positional cloning techniques for confirming the role of susceptible genes rely on sufficient prior understanding of the disease process to implicate possible disease-related genes. The three tools involved in positional cloning are 1) The Physical Map (Figure 1), 2) The Genetic Map (Figure 2), and 3) The Sequence Map of the DNA nucleotide (Figure 3) . Each tool allows for better focus on the gene being located. As Figure 1 illustrates, whole chromosomes are cut into large fragments of DNA and then cloned. Then cloned DNA pieces are realigned in the order in which they originally occurred in the chromosomes andShow MoreRelatedCloning for the Greater Good Essay1270 Words   |  6 PagesCloning for the Greater Good Many advances in science continue to bring possibilities and hope to people around the world. The possibility of therapeutic cloning and embryonic stem cell research not only brings hope to people with diseases but also brings fear to many when the thought of clones walking the earth comes to mind. Therapeutic cloning is an advanced procedure also known as somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) where DNA is removed from an egg and replaced with DNA from a somatic cellRead More The Bright Future of Genetic Engineering Essay2185 Words   |  9 Pagesyears. Imagine a fundamental revolution in health care - with treatments and perhaps even cures for heart disease, arthritis, Alzheimer’s, cancer and AIDS. Richard J. Mahoney, 1993 (Wekesser 30) Genetic engineering is a topic which has come under great scrutiny and debate. Since its appearance on the scientific stage in 1973 (Wekesser 23), it has been heralded as everything from the discovery of a fountain of youth to the harbinger of the death of humanity. In reality, genetic engineering is noneRead MoreGp Essay Mainpoints24643 Words   |  99 Pagesrestrictions placed on traditional media †¢ Allow a plethora of new and alternative perspectives to come through †¢ Opening our eyes to the larger world beyond what we experience in our everyday lives †¢ More attuned to the happenings of our human counterparts NO: Move beyond ourselves, to take a stance on social issues, enabling us to take up causes far greater than ourselves by galvanizing and gathering the entire global community into taking concrete action †¢ E.g. Avaaz.org †¢ Making